Bay on signing: "I think, first and foremost, it kind of lays a foundation. It's going to show other people that we're going toward something. It's like 'Hey, the Pirates are getting serious now. They're out there trying to win this'... I'm not saying that by signing me we're going to win, but I think that it's a sign that we're taking a step in the right direction."

A rare good day for Pirates fans. Bay signs for $18.25 million through 2009. Our best player gets "a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $750,000 next year, $3.25 million in 2007, $5.75 million in 2008 and $7.5 million in 2009. His salary in the final year could also escalate by up to $750,000."

"I've had a tough time sleeping the last two nights and now that this day's actually here, it's a very emotional day for me and I'm extremely, extremely happy," a choked-up Bay said. All hail Jason Bay! All hail extreme, extreme happiness!

And on top of all that, the press conference made no mention of Benito Santiago or Julio Franco contracts. I can not tell if this is true or dream.

Michael David Smith broke down the film of the Sunday night game and writes, "A close analysis of every play of the Pittsburgh victory revealed a defense that disguises its fronts to confuse the offense, relentlessly pressures the opposing quarterback, and has the deepest front seven in the NFL. It also, however, showed one serious weakness that its opponents can be expected to exploit for the rest of the season." More here.

All of these other guys finished ahead of Bay. Delgado missed 21 games to Bay's 0, and can't run or field like Bay. Rollins plays SS and finished on fire (1.1 OPS in Sept) but was nothing special (.714 OPS) in the first half. Bay played everyday while Carpenter and Dontrelle didn't, so I'd have voted Bay third behind Pujols and Lee. Why is Andruw a close second to Pujols and ten places in front of Bay? Because he's a Brave or because of the flashy Gold Glove? Sure wasn't clutch hitting:

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Q: "If you bought the Pirates would you give up day-to-day operation of the Mavericks?"A: "No."

Q: "Are you really interested in buying the Pirates or are you just a long-time frustrated fan who's disappointed with the way the team is being run?"A: "Both."

Q: "You told the Associated Press the Pirates said the team wasn't for sale. Were you just inquiring or did you make a firm offer?"A: "Inquiring."

Q: "If the team goes on the market after the 2006 season, would you still be interested?"A: "Yes."

Q: "You are a hands-on owner. If you bought the Pirates, would you move to Pittsburgh?"A: "No, but I would spend more time there. I have several close friends who want to be part of the group. We all grew up together. They have been very successful in business and still live in Pittsburgh. So there would be plenty of attention."

Bob likes Cuban:

Cuban's success with the Mavericks has been truly impressive. Consider:

In the four full seasons before he bought the team, the Mavericks were 84-212. When he took over in January of 2000, the team was 9-23. It finished that season by going 31-10. Over the next five seasons, the Mavericks were 280-130.

The Cuban way is more than spending money. He's a marketing wizard who treats his fans like they are valued customers. He energized the entire franchise and much of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area with the force of his gung-ho personality.